Pictures of Love Your Church Sunday at St George’s
Category Archives: St George’s Church
Love your church Sunday
We’re having a party on 11th February to show that we love our church – come and join the party, we were going to have balloons and cake and the opportunity to ask any question you want to ask during the sermon. Please put it in the diary and make it a priority.
Parish barn Dance 2018
Was there something particularly depressing about January this year? We always hold our parish barn dance on the nearest Friday to Candlemas (2nd Feb.). However, this year we sold far fewer tickets. Instead of 80 – 100 attendees, as was the norm for the previous seven years, we had 30 – 40. I don’t think we publicised any less than normal, so it’s a bit of a mystery.
It’s not the only event I’ve been involved in recently that’s been poorly attended or cancelled through lack of interest. I think there’s a general feeling of depression and uncertainty across the country at the moment, leading to an all-pervading apathy.
Anyway, those who did attend enjoyed themselves and we had some good dancing and an excellent supper (thank you Alison and Matthew).
After deducting all expenses, we contributed £233 to parish funds. Last year we managed £688. Quite a contrast. However, it’s never been about making money, but about having an event to bring the parish together.
My thanks to all who attended and helped. I think it may have run its course at the moment and it’s time to try something else next year.
Bob Shatwell
Parish Barn Dance – 2nd Feb
Come to the annual Parish Barn Dance! It is great fun for all the family. Friday 2nd February 2018, 7:00 – 10:30 pm at St George’s GU9 9LU. Adults £12, under 16s £6, Family ticket (2 adults + children) £30.00. Supper included but bring your own drinks. Tickets available from me 01252 314703 robert.shatwell@ntlworld.com or in all the parish churches.
Mothering Sunday – 11th March
Come to church on Mothering Sunday – 11th March and say a prayer for your mum – or bring her along if you can, and give her a posy. All Age Services in the Parish at 9:30am at St John’s, Hale, 11:00am at St Mark’s Church, Upper Hale and 11:30 at St George’s, Badshot Lea. The 10am service at St George’s will be a regular Communion Service with added posies.
Swifts at St George’s?
The Garden is very soggy at time of writing and little work has been done but moving Swiftly on….
At the last group meeting it was suggested that we explore the possibility of having Swift boxes put up on the church. The organisations to speak to were found to be The Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust and Tices Meadow Nature Reserve.
I met their representatives at the church for a site meeting. Firstly they gave me the background as to why Swifts need our help.
Swifts are in trouble. Their numbers are declining and have more than halved nationally since 1995. They nest in eaves and because old buildings are being demolished and the methods of new building their nesting sites are disappearing. We are fortunate in our area as there is a fairly healthy population but they could still do with our help.
The eaves of St. Georges Church are ideal for creating a nesting site and because of the way they “stick out” from the wall we are able to provide an hotel rather than individual boxes which means more room for more lodgers!
The “hotel” will be fitted to the eaves of the west wall, from the southeast corner to the first buttress. It will be constructed with wood and screwed to the eaves with no drilling into the church wall. It will be virtually invisible to the casual observer. There is no cost to us as the people who make and install them are specialist volunteers who provide their expertise and materials.
Now, I expect that some of you might be thinking, “what about the mess?”. I am assured that Swifts do not deposit their guano down the walls of their nest sites but jettison it whilst in flight. Sou`westers anyone!!
The “hotel” will be installed by May this year before the Swifts return from migration. The conservationists will install, temporarily, some sound equipment which will broadcast recordings of the screeching call of Swifts. Hopefully this will encourage them to explore the site and take up residence.
We will be joining The Kilns in Badshot Lea and The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Aldershot who have also agreed to boxes or hotels on their buildings.
I hope they like us!
Bill Thomas
Love your Church Sunday – 11th Feb
This year we are combining Valentine’s Day with a celebration of being church on 11th February. There will be balloons and cake, and during the service there will be a bit of fun with a quiz and during the sermon slot we will have a “Ask the Vicar anything you like” opportunity.
We will have envelopes for everyone who comes along to church with information about your church and your parish that you might not know! Lots of opportunities to find out more and ask the questions you always wanted answered! So please come along on 11th February and pick up your envelope.
We would love everyone to get involved – if you would like to decorate the churches or create a quiz about your church or make some cakes or anything else you are very welcome!
Lesley Crawley
Family Praise becomes ‘Worship For All’!
Family Praise is changing! From January, Family Praise is being renamed ‘Worship for All’. Keep an eye out for our colourful new banner and flyers. During January and February, the weekly services will focus on the stories of Jesus as he grew up from his flight to Egypt to his teaching in the temple as a teenager. Following this, during Lent we will exploring the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’.
We are introducing a ‘Café style’ church on the second Sunday of each month and Communion will continue to be offered on the fourth Sunday of each month.
The reason for renaming of Family Praise to ‘Worship for All’ is to reflect the development of the 11.30am congregation of St George’s. This service is not just for people with children but a welcoming, informal service suitable for everyone regardless of age.
Do come along and join the ‘Worship for All’ congregation as we explore some interesting themes, praise and worship together.
Christingle at St George’s – 28th Jan
Two opportunities to make Christingles – 10am and 11:30am on the 28th January at St George’s Church, Badshot Lea. Come and support the work of The Children’s Society and bring your friends too!
Come to make Connections
Connections is a group for over 50s on 16 January from 10:00 to 11:30 just come along to St George’s church and enjoy a cup of coffee, some cake and various activities.
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 